Julia Keller on Roads-- Part 2

On August 22nd, I wrote about Julia Keller's Lit Life column in the Chicago Tribune of June 15th.

She was doing a review on Marianne Wiggins' novel "Shadow Catcher" and wrote some great roads about old roads that pretty well sum up my feelings exactly. So, I will continue.

"Roads have personalities. Even the bland ones stick with you.... Such blandness becomes a road's most remarkable feature--especially when that blandness is contrasted with the peppy individuality of a Route 23, with its sprightly mix of roadside souvenir shops, mom-and-pop eateries and the occasional hubcap emporium and military surplus shop."

It would sound like Route 23 is just such a road as the Lincoln Highway and Route 66.

Later, she wrote, "For many of us, summer means road trips. Highways are the nation's bone structure, its skeleton, the thing that binds us and holds us upright."

Now, these are some mighty good words for summing up my feelings exactly. I just wish I cared to spend all the extra money now necessary for gas to fuel that wonderful roadtrip.

Like Any Good "Roadie" Will Tell You, Gettin' There is Just As Important as the Destination. Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway." --RoadDog